Fighting to Help Victims Obtain Maximum Compensation for Their Injuries
One of the most dangerous types of accidents often involves pedestrians. In the Pontiac, MI area, many individuals walk for recreation, exercise, and to get to and from their destinations. However, with the increased traffic in the city, pedestrian accidents are on the rise.
Pedestrian accidents typically result in serious injuries for victims. Unlike a motorcycle accident, where the rider may wear a helmet and protective gear, a pedestrian lacks any basic protections to prevent injuries.
Suppose you or a family member have suffered injuries in a pedestrian accident. In that case, you must hire an experienced attorney to help you seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact the law offices of Bashore Green Law Group located in Pontiac, MI, to schedule a free initial consultation so that we may discuss your case and determine what legal options may be available.
What Should a Pedestrian Do if They Have Been Injured in an Accident?
If you are a pedestrian who has been severely injured by a motor vehicle, there are several steps you must take to protect your health and your ability to file a personal injury claim. These steps you must take are similar to those who have been injured in a car accident and include:
- Remain at the accident scene and call 911 to report the incident.
- Tell the 911 dispatcher that you have suffered injuries so that they will send emergency medical responders.
- Gather important information such as the driver’s name, contact info, and license plate.
- Document the scene by taking plenty of pictures and videos, including lighting conditions, terrain, and any other information that may be relevant to the accident.
- Collect the names and contact information of any bystanders who may have witnessed the accident.
- Seek medical treatment immediately. Insurance companies often refuse to pay personal injury claims if a medical professional does not examine the injured party.
- Be sure to obtain a copy of the police report and medical records to provide them to an attorney.
- Hire a skilled pedestrian accident lawyer to assess your case and help you file a claim.
If you have questions about what you must do to protect your legal rights after you or a family member has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact Bashore Green Law Group to schedule a consultation.
What Does an Injured Pedestrian Have to Prove to Be Able to Recover Financial Compensation?
Even though it seems the insurance company would handle a pedestrian accident claim fairly. However, several legal aspects must be proven for an accident victim to recover financial compensation.
These legal aspects include:
- The negligent driver owed the pedestrian a duty of care. For example, if the pedestrian was attempting to cross the street legally, the driver was responsible for using caution while operating the motor vehicle.
- The driver breached their duty of care when operating their vehicle recklessly or negligently.
- The driver’s carelessness directly caused the pedestrian to suffer an injury.
- As a result of being injured, the injured party suffered damages.
However, the compensation the accident victim may be awarded depends significantly on the policy limits of the at-fault driver.
An investigation will be conducted to determine if the driver is entirely at fault for causing the accident or if the pedestrian shares liability.
Finally, as with auto accidents, every pedestrian injury case differs; therefore, any compensation that may be obtained may also vary.
If you need clarification regarding who may be at fault for the accident that caused you to suffer injuries, contact our Pontiac, MI, pedestrian accident lawyers to schedule a consultation to learn more.
What Types of Damages Can an Injured Pedestrian Recover From the At-Fault Driver?
Michigan law stipulates that pedestrians who have suffered injuries after being hit by a motor vehicle are entitled to recover No-Fault benefits. Also referred to as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits, this type of compensation is paid by the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
However, PIP benefits only pay for economic losses such as:
- Past and current medical bills, including physical therapy and rehabilitation costs.
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential.
However, PIP benefits do not pay for non-economic losses suffered by the injured pedestrian. Instead, the injured victim must file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent driver’s insurance provider.
Commonly awarded non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering compensation
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
- Emotional trauma
- Permanent disfigurement and scarring.
Bashore Green Law Group has a proven track record of being able to recover fair compensation for pedestrian accident victims and would be honored to help you determine what your claim may be worth.
Why Should I Hire Your Personal Injury Attorneys to Help Me File a Claim?
Bashore Green Law Group has comprehensive experience successfully handling pedestrian accidents. Our personal injury attorneys are fearless when it comes to standing up to insurance adjusters who often try to blame pedestrian accident victims for their injuries.
When our pedestrian accident lawyers agree to take your case, they will handle all communications with the insurance company so you can focus on healing and recovering from your injuries.
We never pressure our clients to take quick settlements offered by insurers. Instead, we negotiate with insurance providers to obtain a financial settlement that meets your needs.
Unlike other personal injury lawyers in Oakland County who often worry about collecting legal fees, our attorneys do not collect any legal fees unless we win your case.
If you or a family member have been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact our Pontiac, MI, law office at 248-838-0635 to schedule a free case evaluation so that we may review your case and answer your questions.